What power strobes should I get?

[princer7]

I have been pretty happy with the 800's. The folding softboxes are convenient if you do npt have a dedicated space to leave them set up. I opted to go with a non-Alien Bees beauty dish after hearing the multiple complaints on build quality. The Cyber Commander + Syncs have been a nice feature for adjusting the lights.

[Fireball]

So I really need the Cyber Commander? I was thinking of just getting one transmitter and two receivers.

David, I appreciate the offer. I'll have to think about it and get back to you.

[Kalrog]

Originally Posted by Fireball

So I really need the Cyber Commander? I was thinking of just getting one transmitter and two receivers.

David, I appreciate the offer. I'll have to think about it and get back to you.

You do not NEED the cyber commander. It makes things easier though - so that you can adjust all power levels from you camera instead of having to climb up and adjust it on the strobe itself. I think it was an extra $200 well spent, but if you are on a budget you could get it later if you decide you need it.

And if you make it to Austin, I'll let you try the Einsteins.

[Kalrog]

Or you could check here, Charrie:

Set of two Alien Bees B800 in excellent condition

[MT Stringer]

Fireball, don't get hung up on the Vagabond. You would need one only if you are in a place with no 110 volt. power. Using an extension cord to go between the Vagabond and the two strobes shouldn't be a problem at all because the pulse of power is brief and not like a sustained heavy draw which could overheat an extension cord.

I use the Alien Bee 1600's for strobing basketball in gyms (big arenas and small high school gyms). There have been times when I had to run a cord from the only outlet over 100 feet with a splitter in the middle so I could power both AB's off one extension cord. No problems encountered. The load is just too brief and not enough to cause heat related problems.

As for the Cybersync's, they work great. I used one transmitter for each camera body and one receiver on each strobe. No way do I want to depend on an optical sensor to fire a strobe, especially if I am somewhere where there might be others with strobes or flashes. I don't need any misfires.

I simply apply a small strip of velcro to the body of the strobe and stick my receiver to it. Example below.

Good luck in your search for new toys to play with.
Mike

[Fireball]

Originally Posted by Kalrog

Or you could check here, Charrie:

Set of two Alien Bees B800 in excellent condition

Ha ha, already bought them! :)

[Fireball]

Mike, thanks for the explanation, makes sense. I like your idea of velcro to keep it attached instead of dangling in the air. Btw, my real name is Charrie, not fireball, lol! That's an old story. ;)